Met up with our friends at KHS Bicycles. Got to see the new bikes they are offering for 2012. First up is the SixFifty609.
Specs:
This bike has some pretty lines.
Can’t go wrong with American Classic.
Then we have the SixFifty656, a full suspension version.
The newest bike for KHS is the new Saguaro. This is a full carbon 29er.
Last but not least, my favorite part of KHS Bicycles, Vince Calvillo.
Popularity: 1% [?]
When I first took delivery of the KHS XCT 556 a few months ago, I was pretty excited about trying its 30 speed drive train. The bike was redesigned for 2011 with swooping, hydroformed tubes and a bold color scheme. It’s spec’d nicely with name brand/model parts such as Rock Shox, Mavic, SRAM, Shimano, WTB and many more. The KHS XCT 556 was a direct replacement of its predecessor, the XCT 555, which we awarded the Editor’s Choice Award in 2010 for “Best Do it All Mountain Bike.”
Who should buy this bike?
-The KHS XCT 556 is perfect for the guy or gal that wants a bike that can do pretty much any thing he/she would want when riding. It can be ridden on an all day XC epic or for the weekend warrior who likes to race Super D. Downhill? Sure, places like Fontana’s Southridge and Telonics can easily be handled by the 556.
Rider shown-Team Racer: Corey Pond
Weight
-The test bike we have weighed in at 29lb (medium frame with pedals)
Price
-KHS’s MSRP is $2799.
What makes this bike stand out?
-The XCT556 is equipped with the Rockshox Revelation RL. This fork is pretty plush and was super easy to tune to the rider’s weight thanks to its air pressure chart that is located right on the lowers. It also has the ability to lock out. This option made climbing on the bike easier.
The fork was matched with a Rockshox Monarch RT3. I’ve been a long fan of the Monarch line because of its no non-sense usability. All I would have to do is air it up and set my sag at 25%, adjust the rebound to my liking and I was off riding!
The pièce de résistance with this bike was its 30 speed drive train. Truth be told when I first got on this bike, I thought that a 30 speed drive train was interesting. Then I saw its 36t cassette and thought that it was a bit of an over-kill. But during one of my test rides through a trail called Cholla, I quickly learned the benefits of the 36t cassette and all of a sudden I was able to clear some of the most technical portions of the trail. I couldn’t believe how well the XCT’s drive train worked.
However, there was a kink in the 30 speed armor. For some odd reason, when I would shift between the big ring (44t) down to the middle ring (33t) I would occasionally experience chain suck. This would also happen when I’d shift from the granny gear to the middle ring. I found this to be unusual because the bike is brand new.
Favorite part of the bike
-Other than the 36t cassette, my favorite was the Avid Elixir 5 brake system because it provides great braking power, and adjustable reach. Front rotor is 7″ and rear is 6″. No brake fading experienced. It comes down to this, when I pulled the levers, it wasn’t just on, but I could gradually feel the brakes engaging depending on how much I pull the lever.
How does it climb?
-Like a slow goat. The 36t cassette will help you get to the top, but at a slower pace.
How does it descend?
-Like a Boss. Plush fork, squishy rear shock that is complimented with its highly acclaimed Horst Link rear triangle. The XCT 556 soaks up small to large bumps, drops and jumps with ease.
Love/Hate
-Ok, hate is such a strong word. But I’ve got a dilemma here. I love the WTB Wolverine 2.2 tires, I think they are awesome! These tires are fast, and offer great grip…as a rear tire. For a front tire, I would have preferred something more aggressive like a WTB Prowler or even a Kenda Nevegal, then again that’s more of a personal opinion than anything.
The KHS XCT 556 may not be someone’s dream XC race bike due to its weight, but don’t be shy to race with it. Priscilla used it during the Knobby Time Series Race #2. She did well enough to podium
In conclusion
-The KHS XCT 556 is a versatile machine. It performs well as an XC rig and if you’ve got the balls to do so, it can handle Super D courses as well as the occasional dirt jumps. During the extended testing period we had with the bike, nothing failed on us. No signs of fatigue or wear. The only issue we had was the intermittent chain suck in which we’re not sure what caused it. Perhaps I was simply cross chaining it. Other than that, its a superb bike.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Just today I went over the the USA HQ of KHS Bicycles. I had contacted one of our good friends, Vince Calvillo regarding an issue that I had with Priscilla’s KHS XC 604. I noticed a bit of play in the rear triangle and asked if Vince could take a look at it. Fortunately I had an appointment in Los Angeles which allowed me to drive right by the KHS office.
Once I got there, Vince introduces me to Mike Kaelon, who handles Rockshox Service, as well as Quality Control and Research/Development for KHS Bicycles. I gave Mike a run down on the bike and right away he mounts it onto the repair stand. Between he and Vince, they quickly find the problem and start working on the fix.
While the guys were figgiting with the bike, I couldn’t help but notice how organized Mike’s work area was. Check out the peg board with all the tools…I can only dream of having my stuff be that clean and tidy…
The rocker arm received a make-over with some fresh bushings.
Mike noticed that the pivot bearing on the Horst Link wasn’t pressed in the way he would have liked it. So he busted out a socket, bolt, some sort of part and a nut to use as a bearing press. Pretty clever if you ask me!
After it was all said and done, Priscilla’s KHS XC 604 received a suspension linkage tune up, front and rear derailleur adjustment and some much needed attention through out the whole bike. I’d like to thank Vince Calvillo and Mike Kaelon for all their help. You guys rock!
Popularity: 1% [?]
A little picture post just because. This is from my afternoon ride at the Fullerton Loop. I have been riding the Famous Fully Loop for many years and there are still days when I am just in awe of spring’s beauty!
Ok…well if you can just look past the smog…it’s really nice out there! 
Spring is definitely my favorite time of year to ride! Hope you get the chance to get out and ride today!
Popularity: 1% [?]
Vince Calvillo talks about the new bikes being offered by KHS Bicycles for 2011.
All new KHS Yuma 29er
Redesigned Lucky 7
Prescott 29er
Redesigned Velvet
Popularity: 2% [?]
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